CSU-Pueblo president Joe Garcia plans to use personal time and annual leaveand take unpaid leave if necessary — while he campaigns as Democrat John Hickenlooper's gubernatorial running mate.

The decision was made after two days of talks with the Colorado State University Board of Governors.

The deal allows Garcia to participate in the convocation and first three weeks of classes, said Michele McKinney, CSU system spokeswoman. After Sept. 10, Garcia will be using his leave, she said. If he uses it up, he will be on unpaid leave. If Democrats lose the election, he resumes his job as university president.

Colorado Republican Party chairman Dick Wadhams had pushed the issue, questioning why a state employee got to remain on the job and collect a paycheck while campaigning.